English
Kinyarwanda
Women police officers have committed to boost their law enforcement initiatives in a bid to curb crimes especially those related to gender and foster Rwanda’s sustainable safety and security.
This is among the 10-point resolutions adopted at the end of the 6th 'Police Women Convention' held on March 3 in Kigali and attended by over 700 women officers, who represented their colleagues at this annual event.
The resolutions are a guide in their critical role in addressing crimes in society, Supt. Goretti Mwenzangu, the Director of Gender Promotion at Rwanda National Police, said.
Most resolutions are dedicated to reigniting efforts against gender based violence and sexual harassment in particular and aiming at excellent services to the public. In addition to the traditional role in policing they pledged their commitment to advocate for women,s rights and obligations to ensure participation in all aspects within the society.
Offering more skills to female officers in various policing domains and being guided by the 'Police Code of Conduct' were also emphasised as a backbone to professionalism and excellence in provision of services.
Others revolved around enforcing modern and professional police investigations, maintaining a high level of discipline, fighting corruption, reaching out to the community to understand and help victims of crime as well as campaigning more against the challenges faced by vulnerable people in the community.
“There is a deliberate effort at Rwanda National Police to empower women officers, and it is also our role to also respond to community challenges especially those related to gender," Supt. Mwenzangu said.
"These resolutions make our experience and tasks even better and easier," she added.
“In regards to women in general, Rwanda has seen tremendous progress in their empowerment; however, some stereotypes in society still affect this progress and provide grounds for gender crimes. As officers, we will work our best to promote RNP’s vision of gender equality, peace and safety,” she added.
The annual event brings together female Police officers to deliberate on how to solve issues affecting them in their police responsibilities.
The force which started with hardly any female police officer in June 2000, now has 20 percent of the total Police force. This percentage is set to increase to 21 by the end of this year and the force targets 35% by end of 2017.
